Soundwave 2008 @ Sydney Park,Sydney (24/02/08)

Mon 25th Feb, 2008 in Gig Reviews

Wanna compare experiences? Check out the review and photos from the Brissie Soundwave gig HERE

Check out the photos from Sydney Soundwave HERE

Check out the full coverage – including exclusive artist interviews HERE

2008’s Soundwave managed to pull in a bevy of International acts under an uncommonly hot summer’s day.

Set across five stages, outdoor events like these are a great opportunity for a power walk incorporating a browse at the stands and a beer or two, whilst stage hopping for your favourite act. Still, this formula didn’t seem to appeal to all the punters…

The Plain White T’s entertained an eager audience although many waiting to see Divine Heresy were bitterly disappointed as the hour and a half wait in line resulted in missing out on their set. According to Glen of upcoming Sydney outfit Jaded Empire, “how are you supposed to get that feeling of “Hell Yeah” waiting in line whilst the band you’ve come to see is playing” and you can’t see them. Other attendees were not sticking around for The Offspring and co. as the line up for amenities and drinks was according to some, taxing and “terribly disorganised”.

Unlike The Big Day Out, Soundwave caters to a heavier musical taste and crowd. While they may have less in common with their commericial music loving friends they still share the same festival faux pas – with many a punter suffering from heat exhaustion and as the day wore on quite a few pink skinned souls should have slipped, slopped, slapped. This however, did not dissuade fans from grooving away to Infectious Grooves as Mike Muir immersed himself in his metal funk rap beat rhymes, gyrating and entertaining a crowd who were privy to their first show for 13 years, as well the unleashing of their new song Get United. Pulling two audience members up on stage for a hand at vocals was the highlight of the set and illuminated Muir’s fantastic showmanship. The absence of bassist Robert Trujillo concreted “Metallica’s” stance on “no side projects”.

Saosin followed Muir’s set catering to an expanding crowd when As I Lay Dying’s set was cut short due to a glass bottle thrown at guitarist Nick Hippa, which resulted in a bleeding head wound as they played out The Sound of Truth.

The majority found their places at Stage 1 and 2 as Alexisonfire assaulted the audience with a kick ass performance followed by Incubus and a hearty sing along to Whatever Tomorrow Brings. Charttoppers The Offspring completed the night and their Why Don’t You Get a Job parody of The Beatles’ Obla Di Obla Da was a hit. Singer Dexter Holland was exciting to watch as he wooed the crowd with a strong set including fave fan tracks Come Out and Play and Pretty Fly (for a white guy).

Check out the review and photos from the Brisband Soundwave HERE